Royal correspondence

Asked about the High Court’s decision on an FOI request concerning correspondence from the Prince of Wales, the PMS said that the court had granted the government leave to appeal, and the government would appeal. It was important to preserve the confidentiality of communications from the monarch and the heir to the throne. He said the Prime Minister considers his contact with the Royal household, such as his weekly audiences with the Queen, an important part of his role.

Philip Hammond

In response to whether Cabinet ministers should pay full tax, the PMS said that all taxes that were due should be paid.

Lockerbie

Responding to reports that Iran may have been involved in the Lockerbie bombing rather than Libya, the PMS said that the police investigation into the bombing was ongoing.